Flexible Photoluminescent Light Shield for Flashlight Safety and Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Rigid flashlight wand attachments are obstructive and difficult to store, posing a risk of injury and are not compact for carrying, as they do not return to their original shape when not in use.

Innovation Solution

A flexible photoluminescent light shield and diffuser attachment made from a pliable translucent material with shape memory, allowing easy mounting and dismounting without tools, and designed to be compact for storage, with a flange for secure attachment to a flashlight and a method for trail marking using energized and discarded cylindrical bodies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If a rigid wand attachment is used, then the light diffusion function is achieved, but the device becomes obstructive and difficult to store

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight diffusionVSAvoidstorage compactness

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The wand attachment transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic flexible structure that can change its form factor. When not in use, it collapses into a compact state for easy storage; when in use, it extends to provide full light diffusion functionality. This dynamic transformation resolves the contradiction between maintaining functional size and reducing storage size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a flexible hollow cylindrical body made of pliable translucent photoluminescent material. This flexible shell structure allows the wand to be collapsed and stored in a compact form while maintaining its light diffusion capability when deployed. The flexibility of the shell enables the transition between compact storage and functional states without compromising the light diffusion function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Illumination intensity

If a rigid wand attachment is used, then the light diffusion function is achieved, but the risk of injury from misuse increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight diffusionVSAvoidinjury risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible nature of the wand allows it to bend and absorb impact forces during misuse scenarios such as dropping or falling on it. Instead of breaking rigidly and creating sharp fragments, the flexible wand deforms elastically or plastically, reducing the risk of injury to the user. The dynamic response to impact forces transforms a potentially harmful rigid structure into a safer flexible one.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potential harm of a rigid structure breaking during misuse into a beneficial flexible deformation response. The flexible material absorbs impact energy and returns to its original shape or deforms in a controlled manner, preventing the creation of sharp broken pieces that could cause injury. This transforms the weakness of flexibility into a safety feature.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Illumination intensity

If a rigid wand attachment is used, then the light diffusion function is achieved, but the overall device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight diffusionVSAvoidattachment mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wand attachment is designed as a segmented modular structure with a hollow cylindrical body that can be easily attached to and removed from the flashlight. This segmentation allows the wand to be a separate, simple component rather than an integrated complex assembly, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining light diffusion functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible hollow cylindrical shell design simplifies the attachment mechanism. The flexibility of the shell allows for easy snap-fit or friction-based attachment to the flashlight without requiring complex threading, latching, or sealing mechanisms. This reduces the complexity of the attachment system while ensuring secure mounting during use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The flexible attachment allows for easy carrying and storage of flashlights, reduces the risk of injury, and provides a compact, cost-effective solution for illumination and trail marking with improved visibility and safety.

Implementation Method 1

an open-ended elongated hollow body fabricated from a pliable translucent photoluminescent material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoluminescence: Photoluminescence

Implementation Method 2

a pliable translucent photoluminescent material having a shape memory

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShape memory: Shape Memory Polymer

Data Source

PatentUS9377177B2Flexible photoluminescent light shield and diffuser

Publication Date: 2016.06.28 9609385 CANADA INC

AI summary

A flexible photoluminescent shield/diffuser attachment for a portable light, the light comprising a light emitting end emitting light generally along an axis is shown. The attachment comprises an elongated hollow body fabricated from a pliable translucent photoluminescent material and having a shape memory. A first end of said hollow body is able to be secured to the light emitting end of the light coaxial with the axis.